Mental Health Practitioner in Wakefield

We are looking for Band 5 Clinicians (RN/SW/OT) to join our ReACH (Crisis) Team. If you are looking to make a real difference and keep children/young people at the heart of what you do, then a career with us may be just for you.

The CAMHS ReACH Team is a developing service within Wakefield which aims to support young people, their families and carers during periods of crisis. We provide support across a range of settings including hospitals, homes, schools and clinics. The team provides 365 days a year cover working long days 8am-8pm on a shift basis.

We encourage applicants who have experience of working with children/young people with emotional and mental health needs, and experience of practicing in a flexible and adaptable manner. All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.

Responsibilities:

• You will manage your own caseload, providing high quality care appropriate to the young person's needs which will include risk assessment and management.
• You will triage new assessments coming into the team and be responsible for taking calls from young people and families presenting in crisis.
• You will need to develop strong working relationships with professionals across the district; therefore excellent communication/engagement skills are essential.
• A commitment to improving service delivery and developing new ways of supporting young people and families' experiences is crucial to work within the wider CAMHS team.
• This is a fast-paced role and requires a can-do attitude towards tasks.
• The team offers outreach to those that are difficult to engage, providing intensive support to meet identified needs contributing to a reduction in admissions to inpatient provision.

About Us:

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time.

Details:

• Date posted: 03 February 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 5
• Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
• Reference number: C9378-W1428
• Job locations: Block 9, Fieldhead Hospital, Ouchthorpe Lane, Wakefield, WF1 3SP

Job responsibilities:

The post holder will be responsible and accountable for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of skilled interventions to address identified needs and risk for allocated clients on a defined caseload. Works within a multi-disciplinary team as a member of Specialist CAMHS.

Key Result Areas:

• To work as a member of an integrated multi-disciplinary team providing comprehensive assessment of children, young people and their carers, planning, implementing and evaluating skilled interventions to address identified needs.
• To have knowledge of current issues and research relevant to the legislative framework and systems in which children's mental health care is delivered e.g. Children Act, Mental Health Act and Care Programme Approach.
• To contribute to service development within the clinical governance structure and policies and procedures of the Trust.
• Promote the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Ability to work as part of MDT.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative, with reference to policies and procedures.
• Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of service users and the team including extended hours.
• Reliable and enthusiastic.
• Motivated and resourceful.
• Professional attitude.

Training:

Essential:

• Assessment and care planning skills and risk assessment and risk management.

Experience:

Essential:

• Can demonstrate skills in assessing and managing people/children and young people experiencing mental health problems.
• Can demonstrate skills in assessing and managing risk in a variety of settings.
• Proven ability in assessing the needs and strengths of people and their carers.
• Ability to deliver a range of therapeutic techniques which can be incorporated into one-to-one and/or group interventions.
• Working within an integrated multi-disciplinary environment and co-working with other teams within team meetings, case conferences and professional meetings.

Physical Attributes:

Essential:

• Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post.
• A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years.

Special Knowledge & Skills:

Essential:

• Working knowledge of recent government legislation e.g. Mental Health Act, Health & Safety, Care Programme Approach, Care Act & Safeguarding.
• Able to work incorporating principles of Clinical Governance.
• Knowledge of working collaboratively with people and their carers to ensure their involvement in the assessment and care planning process.
• Shows awareness of cultural diversity and is able to incorporate this into care planning and the delivery of care.
• Knowledge and evidence of using IT systems.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of audit processes.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Registered Mental Health Nurse / Social Worker / Occupational therapist.

Disclosure:

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.